Welcome to the USC Epigenome Center at the University of Southern California. USC has a rich history in epigenetics research dating back to 1980 with the discovery of the effects of azanucleoside drugs on DNA methylation. The program has subsequently grown over the last two and a half decades. What followed were discoveries in transcriptional regulation that resulted in the first demonstration of a causal link between histone modification and gene expression. Later accomplishments would include seminal discoveries by Center Director, Dr. Peter W. Laird, whose approaches were subsequently applied to the intensive investigation of DNA methylation in health and disease, including breast, ovarian, colon cancer and lung cancer mesothelioma. With the establishment of a formal Center in 2007, USC hopes to continue it's prominence in epigenetic research.